A shocking act of disrespect at one of America’s most sacred memorials has ignited national outrage after a man was caught on camera lighting his cigarette from the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Witnesses say the man, who has not yet been publicly identified, walked up to the flame without hesitation, flicked his lighter against it, and casually walked away smoking — seemingly unfazed by the gravity of the setting. The Tomb, located at Arlington National Cemetery, is guarded 24/7 by elite members of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.”
The eternal flame symbolizes the nation’s commitment to honor fallen soldiers whose remains have never been identified. Visitors are expected to maintain complete silence and decorum — something this man blatantly ignored. Video of the incident, first posted on Twitter, spread quickly across social media. Many called the act “unforgivable,” while veterans’ groups described it as an insult to every soldier who has given their life in service.
Lighting a cigarette on the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most disrespectful things I’ve ever seen. Absolutely disgraceful. #Arlington #Veterans— Honor Guard News (@HonorGuardNews) August 8, 2025
According to witnesses, the man appeared to be part of a tourist group but broke away as the guard rotation ceremony was ending. “It was like he waited for the right moment when everyone was distracted,” one visitor told The Washington Post. “People started yelling at him immediately, but he just smirked and walked off.” The U.S. Army confirmed they are working with military police to identify the suspect. Trespassing or causing disruption at the site can carry federal charges, and interfering with the Tomb’s ceremonies is a serious offense under military jurisdiction.
My grandfather is buried in Arlington. I cannot put into words the rage I felt watching this video. #TombOfTheUnknownSoldier— Lisa M. Carter (@LisaMCarter) August 8, 2025
Social media users have been relentless in their condemnation, with some calling for the man to be banned from all national memorials for life. A retired Marine, commenting in a Military Times interview, said, “This wasn’t ignorance — it was intentional. You don’t stumble onto that flame without knowing what it represents.”
The eternal flame itself is fed by a continuous gas source and has burned without interruption for decades, even in the harshest weather. Officials from the Cemetery’s administration stressed that maintenance crews have checked to ensure no damage was caused, though the emotional harm to witnesses may be harder to repair.
It’s not just a flame — it’s a symbol of sacrifice. This man should face consequences. #RespectOurFallen— Veterans United (@VetsUnited) August 8, 2025
Calls for accountability have also reached lawmakers. One Virginia congressman told NBC Washington that he will be introducing legislation to increase fines for acts of vandalism or desecration at national military memorials. “If you desecrate sacred ground, there should be a price to pay,” he said. As investigators work to track him down, the man’s actions have sparked a deeper conversation about respect, patriotism, and the behavior of visitors at solemn sites.
Veterans’ organizations are now pushing for mandatory briefings for all tour groups visiting Arlington, explaining the traditions and meaning behind the Tomb’s ceremonies. The outrage shows no sign of fading, with the viral video continuing to rack up millions of views. For many, the flame is more than just fire — it is a living tribute to the countless soldiers whose names we will never know, and whose sacrifices deserve far more than to be treated as a cigarette lighter.
